“Me?” she says incredulously. “I can handle my drink, sweetie. Don’t you worry about me!”
“Are there any beers back there?” River asks.
“Did you forget that you’re the designated driver?” Mark reminds him, already striding to help Molly pop more bottles. With only five minutes to opening time, we really do need to get organized.
River groans, but it’s in good humor. Throwing his big arm around my shoulder, he whispers, “At least I won’t be the one suffering from beer dick later on.”
“I know I can always rely on you,” I say, leaning in to kiss his warm pec, and he smells so good I want to climb him like a tree and never let go.
The sound of the door opening draws my attention, and Mom is there, wide-eyed and clutching a huge bouquet of flowers. “Oh my goodness. Darling. This looks spectacular,” she says, raising her tanned hand to her painted lips. In a black sheath dress with a shawl draped around her shoulders, she looks every bit like a rich lady at a gallery opening. Randolph appears behind her in a suit, and for a second, I’m stunned to notice all the attributes he’s passed on to his sons that I never noticed before.
“And you look spectacular,” Randolph says, holding out a small gift bag.
“Thank you.” I reach out to take the present, unsure what to do next.
“Are you stealing our thunder, Dad?” Mark asks, heading over to shake hands with his father.
“If you haven’t learned that complimenting your woman is a necessary part of any relationship, I’ve failed as a father.”
“Cora knows,” Tobias says.
“But it never hurts to hear it, darling,” my mom croons.
By this point, I’m blushing and feeling very self-conscious in my red silk tea dress and ballet flats. I’m sure Mom would have encouraged me to buy some heels for the occasion, but I wanted to be comfortable for as long as I need to be on my feet.
Charli and Naomi are next, bursting in with yet more flowers and matching wide smiles. I hug them both with a little more force than they were expecting, and then we grin at each other and the absurdity that this is actually happening. I’m really taking a step toward becoming a successful artist, and I couldn’t be more excited.
A steady stream of people attends the exhibition, and gradually, more and more sold cards are added around the room. I’ve collected twenty business cards from stores around the city that are looking to stock a range of different products from this collection. There are also others wanting to be the first to stock next year’s collection, which is overwhelming because I have no idea what that is going to look like.
Halfway through the night, Maggie arrives flanked by Donovan and Dwayne. As I rush over to thank her for coming, I marvel at how strange she looks without more men around her. I’ve become so used to seeing her in that context that it’s almost like she’s missing a purse or shoes. “I’m so happy you made it,” I say, pulling her into a tight embrace.
“As if I’d miss it,” she smiles. “Any excuse to get out of the house in something that isn’t covered in child mess.”
“This dress is to die for,” I say, stroking my hand over the watery blue silk.
“A gift from Sean,” she says. “He has amazing taste in women’s clothing.”
“That’s an accolade we’re happy to leave for him,” Dwayne jokes, but I don’t miss the hungry look in his eyes as he gazes at his woman.
“Tori, Jasmine, and some of the others are here,” I say, waving in the general direction I last saw our mutual friends. “Although, I’m not sure for how much longer. They never could handle their drink, and much free champagne has been consumed.”
“That’s okay,” Maggie laughs. “I’m about to follow by finding much free champagne for myself.”
“Easy,” Donovan says. “I mean, have fun, but I don’t want to be scraping you off the bathroom floor later.”
“I’m easy when I’m drunk,” she says, swatting his huge bicep that is straining the sleeve of his white dress shirt.
“You’re easy anyway,” he laughs, earning another somewhat harder swat. “What?” he says, throwing his hands up in surrender. “It’s not a bad trait. We wouldn’t want you any other way.”
By the time the last few people leave, I’m dead on my feet but flying high as a kite. Chora Ceramics, my brand, isn’t just going to be my passion anymore. It’s becoming a serious business and one that I couldn’t be prouder of.
“Ready to go?” Alden asks as soon as the gallery is quiet.
“Absolutely,” I say. “If nothing else, I need to put River out of his misery. He’s been fit to burst over this surprise for hours.”
“Fit to burst in other areas, too,” he grins.